ANTON STEPHENSON fired a stunning double to send Bethnal Green United into the first round proper of the FA Vase as the Greens continue to make history in their maiden appearance in the competition. The Greens had surrendered their undefeated record a wee

ANTON STEPHENSON fired a stunning double to send Bethnal Green United into the first round proper of the FA Vase as the Greens continue to make history in their maiden appearance in the competition.

The Greens had surrendered their undefeated record a week earlier in a 2-0 loss at Bowers & Pitsea that manager Justin Gardner branded "humiliating".

But United returned to form for their victory over Old Woodstock Town as striker Stephenson scored twice to overturn an early deficit and Marvin Abegunde added a third goal to set up a first-round meeting with London Colney next month.

"I'm over the moon because we've not only put the club into the first round, but the players have also proved to me that last week's defeat was a one-off," said Gardner.

"I told them that I would never accept that level of performance again and they responded by showing me the pride, the commitment and the hunger that were missing a week ago.

"It was a great result, we've raised some money for the club and we're the first team from Tower Hamlets to reach the first round proper, so it was a good day's work."

The United manager reserved special praise for Stephenson, whose two-goal haul illuminated the cup clash and took his personal tally to three goals in as many games.

"He can do it all as a forward and he is a top signing - he knows what this level is about and he's proved he can score goals here," said the boss.

"His second goal against Woodstock was world-class and he's not even match fit yet."

There were also positive results for the club's under-18 sides as Bethnal Green secured a 2-2 draw against Brentford CST in the Eastern Junior Alliance, while United's Echo League side recorded an 11-1 triumph.

Bethnal Green United host Barking in league action this weekend.